Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed that in efforts to crush his party, the country is being turned into a "banana republic." However, he emphasized that both the establishment and PTI are essential for the nation and its people.
Advocate Faisal Chaudhry, after meeting Imran Khan, told the media that a list of six lawyers had been submitted for visitation, but only two were allowed to reach the jail, while the rest were stopped.
Chaudhry mentioned that lawyer Usman Gill managed to meet Khan, but Naeem Haider was not granted access. "I even offered to step out so Naeem Panjutha could go in, but that too was denied," he said.
Imran Khan was informed during the meeting that party leaders and lawyers were being denied access, and even his sisters were not allowed to meet him.
Chaudhry said that the PTI founder expressed concern that the judiciary was not hearing the party’s cases. He mentioned that the legal committee and party leadership would write to the Chief Justice regarding this issue, as well as the alleged mistreatment of his wife, Bushra Bibi.
During the meeting, Usman Gill and Faisal Chaudhry briefed Khan on legal matters and updated him on political developments outside prison.
Khan reportedly stated that Pakistan needs both the establishment and PTI. “PTI is a federal party that can unite the country,” he said. “The military cannot unite the nation — only political parties can.”
He also complained about being denied access to his political colleagues and not being allowed a phone conversation with his children for over three weeks.
On the controversial Mines and Minerals Bill, Khan directed that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and senior party leadership should brief him, stressing the need to build public trust due to growing concerns around the bill.
Commenting on Afghanistan, Khan criticized the government's delays, stating that PTI had long recommended dialogue with Afghan stakeholders to eliminate terrorism. “Three years were wasted, and as a result, precious lives were lost, including those of our soldiers,” he added.
Khan warned that without foreign direct investment (FDI), Pakistan cannot progress, and FDI will only come when the rule of law is established. He concluded by stating that institutions like the judiciary, FIA, and police have been destroyed in the campaign against PTI.
